In an effort to improve the Greek system, administrators from the University and Information Technology and Communication are working with both the Inter-Fraternity and Inter-Sorority Councils to provide Greek houses with an ethernet service for about one-third of the cost.
IFC President Justin Saunders said the new ethernet wiring will "increase the attractiveness of housing to first years entering the systems" and encourage them to consider living there.
Saunders said he believes student interest for living in fraternity and sorority houses the year after pledging has declined in the past several years.
Fraternity leaders say many first years make living arrangements for the following year prior to second semester rush and do not find Greek housing appealing. Former Dean of Students Robert T. Canevari decided in April 1998 to move formal IFC rush from fall to spring, against IFC leaders' wishes.
As a small step in a long-term project to improve living conditions in the Greek environment, most fraternities and sororities now can have ITC install and maintain an ethernet system, paying only one-third of the cost while the University subsidizes the remaining two-thirds.
The total cost of the installation will be between $2,500 and $3,000 per house, depending on the number of people living in the house, according to Saunders.
Assistant Dean of Students Aaron Laushway said the subsidies were granted to the system because the "goals of the sororities and fraternities are consistent with the goals of the University."
Laushway said administrators are not singling out the Greek system.
He said they will assist as best they can all organizations affecting large numbers of students and which "cooperate in the educational mission of the University."
Saunders praised administrators for recognizing and responding to the need for a quick and accessible Internet system for the large numbers of students that live in Greek housing every year.
He believes an ethernet system will encourage an improved educational environment, making the Greek system stronger.
"This may not have happened a few years ago," he said. "It's very promising."
ISC President Allison White said the President's Council plans to discuss the deal at next week's meeting.
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